Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Diamond certified VIDEO PROFILE

Diamond certified company PROFILE

Zaz Khan, Owner

Fast Banners and Signs provides a wide range of large format digital printing services for residential and commercial clients throughout the Greater Bay Area. In addition to designing and printing all types of banners, posters, and signs at its Union City facility, the company has the training and equipment to perform specialized work like storefront lettering and window graphic application.

Owner Zaz Khan says his background in graphic design has played an important role in differentiating Fast Banners and Signs from its competition. “I really enjoy the artistic element of my work. When a customer comes in and doesn’t really know what they want, it’s fun to show them different options and come up with a quality design that makes people take notice.”

Fast Banners and Signs is known for its honest approach to the digital printing process, which Mr. Khan says has been crucial for building a loyal clientele base. “I always show my customers how they can save money, like removing the age from a ‘Happy Birthday’ banner so they can use it again. They really appreciate that type of honesty, so when their friends or family members need similar services, they’re happy to recommend us.”

DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED ARTICLES ON Fast Banners and Signs

Fast Banners and Signs created this sign for an upcoming Marriott opening.

Company Profile

Fast Banners and Signs provides a wide range of large format digital printing services for residential and commercial clients throughout the Greater Bay Area. In addition to designing and printing all types of banners, posters, and signs at its Union City facility, the company has the training and equipment to perform specialized work like storefront lettering and window graphic application.

Owner Zaz Khan says his background in graphic design has played an important role in differentiating Fast Banners and Signs from its competition. “I really enjoy the artistic element of my work. When a customer comes in and doesn’t really know what they want, it’s fun to show them different options and come up with a quality design that makes people take notice.”

Fast Banners and Signs is known for its honest approach to the digital printing process, which Mr. Khan says has been crucial for building a loyal clientele base. “I always show my customers how they can save money, like removing the age from a ‘Happy Birthday’ banner so they can use it again. They really appreciate that type of honesty, so when their friends or family members need similar services, they’re happy to recommend us.”

Company Philosophy

“My goal on every job is simple: give the customer exactly what they want with a quick turnaround time and a fair price. Whether they’re looking to advertise a service or celebrate a loved one, I can help them create a layout that will reach their audience and get their message across.”

Comparative Summary

Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for sign and banner printing companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Fast Banners and Signs, keeping customers happy comes down to four key factors: fair pricing, good quality, great service and fast turnaround time. “We know quality, pricing and timing are important to people, so that’s what we provide every time,” says owner Zaz Khan. “We believe it’s important to give our clients what they want, so we’re upfront and honest about everything we do.”

Fast Banners and Signs has been providing large format digital printing services for residential and commercial clients throughout the Greater Bay Area since 2014. The company designs and prints all types of banners, posters, and signs at its Union City facility, and it also has the in-house capabilities to perform specialized work such as window graphic application and storefront lettering.

Unlike less experienced sign and banner printing companies that take a “one size fits all” approach to each job, Fast Banners and Signs always puts the needs of its clients first. “Sometimes customers don’t know exactly what they want, so we work with them to find a solution that fits their needs and budget,” explains Mr. Kahn. “For example, someone may want a banner for their child that says ‘Happy First Birthday.’ We’ll explain that if they make a banner that doesn’t include the year, they can keep using it for future birthdays, which will save them money. Our clients really appreciate that type of help.”

Another distinguishing feature of Fast Banners and Signs is its state-of-the-art printing equipment, including one of the largest banner printers in the Bay Area. “Our equipment and technology allow us to offer more variety and a faster turnaround time,” says Mr. Khan. “People who work with us can cut out the middleman and get a better value. In fact, we do a lot of wholesale work for other sign printing shops and businesses that don’t have oversized printers of their own.”

Industry Info

Vehicle signage can help or hurt your business, depending on the choices you make.

Whether it’s a magnetic sign, lettering or a wrap, vehicle signage is a popular way for businesses to advertise and stay visible. Local sign companies can help make your company vehicle a source of pride and revenue. But poor choices can offset the positive impressions, so businesses should be able to rely on sign companies to guide them toward making smart decisions.

“There are three types of vehicle signage,” says Zaz Khan, owner of Fast Banners and Signs in Union City. “One is magnetic signage. If you’re using a personal vehicle for work, you can put a magnetic sign on when you go out to do business and then take it off when you’re done. Another option is putting letters on your vehicle. The third type of signage is a vehicle wrap. It’s permanent and acts as your own billboard, so it can make your work vehicle more attractive to potential customers.” Mr. Khan adds that different types of vehicle signage have varying uses and price points, so your sign company should recommend the best option for your needs.

Choosing the best vehicle signage for your business
According to Mr. Khan, signage is more than just a few letters on a company vehicle. “Putting signage on a vehicle is a reflection of the business,” he explains. “Some people want something simple while others want huge signage that everyone can see as they drive on the freeway. Your approach should depend on your business and its goals.”

For example, businesses opting for single signs on company vans may want to consider putting the signs on the back. “The back is the most seen part of the vehicle on the road,” says Mr. Khan. “If the signage is on the side, people have to turn their heads and read it as you drive past. If it’s on the back, it’s in front of anyone who’s behind you.”

Permanent vehicles may benefit from permanent signage, but companies with leased and other short-term vehicles can save money by investing in temporary signage. “There are products that depend on how long you want the sign to be up,” says Mr. Khan. “For example, if you’re leasing your work vehicle for three years, you may want vehicle signage that could last two to three years instead of paying for something that will last longer.” He also suggests thinking about the time and potential cost involved in removing signage from leased or sold vehicles.

In the end, Mr. Khan says vehicle signage comes down to a cost-to-benefit analysis. “At the heart of the decision is the question of how much money you want to invest in the project. Find what works best for you and doesn’t require you to overspend for something you don’t need.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much will my banner cost?
A: The price varies depending on the size of the banner, the design and other details. Once we have this information, we can give you an estimate for your specific project.

Q: How long will it take to get my banner?
A: If you have a file ready to print, we can get it to you within one to two business days. If we’re doing the design, it’ll take longer. Once you approve the design, we can have it printed in two business days.

Q: What’s the best signage to use for my vehicle?
A: We recommend three types of vehicle signage. The first is a magnetic sign. If you’re using a personal vehicle for work, you can put this sign on when you go out to do business and then remove it when you’re done. The second type is vinyl letters, which you can stick on your vehicle. The third type is a vehicle wrap, which is very common right now. It’s permanent and it turns your car into your own billboard. Each type of vehicle signage has different uses and prices, so we can recommend the best one for your specific needs.

Q: Do you offer quantity discounts?
A: Sometimes we’re able to get better deals from our supplier, and we pass those deals to our clients. For example, some of our real estate clients will purchase multiple A-frame signs in one order. We can talk with our supplier to get the best possible deal, and if they’re able to give us a discount on the materials, we’ll give that discount to our clients as well.

Q: Can you help me with design and product choices?
A: Yes. If you give us an idea of what you want, we can take it from there. We’ll help you determine the best materials to use and the best place to put your signage to get the results you want. We always educate our clients before we start their projects and work within their budgets so they get the best return on their investments.

Q: Are recyclable signs and banners available?
A: Yes. The only downside is they can’t be outdoors for too long. Most are short-term products, but if you want a sign or banner made out of Green materials, we’re happy to recommend and supply one.

Q: Can you serve wholesale accounts?
A: Yes, we serve wholesale accounts and other sign shops that don’t have the large printers that we have. Our turnaround time is fast, and we’ve been working with a lot of sign shops and businesses since we started.

Q: Do you work with walk-in clients?
A: Yes, we have a lot of walk-in clients and we’re happy to help them.

DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR ADVICE & TIPS FROM Zaz Khan

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE

Zaz Khan is owner of Fast Banners and Signs, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (510) 256-3782 or by email.

Zaz Khan: Printing Success

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

UNION CITY — After coming to the United States from the Fiji Islands in 2000, Zaz Khan worked in a number of industries before finding his true calling as a professional printer. “When you come to a new country, you basically have to start from scratch, so I took any work I could get,” he recounts. “At one point, I was working four different jobs just so I could feed my family. I did janitorial, catering and even became a professional butcher. Eventually, I got an opportunity to work with a friend who owned a print shop in Berkeley. I soon grew to enjoy the printing business, especially the technology and artistry it involved. In 2014, after gaining a few years of experience, I went out on my own and opened a print shop in Union City.”

Today, as owner of Fast Banners and Signs, Zaz says his favorite part of his job is interacting with customers. “I’m a people person, so I enjoy talking with customers and helping them find the best options for their printing needs. I give them advice on how they can save money and get the most value for their printing projects. Basically, I view my customers as friends, so I try to treat them as such.”

A resident of Hayward, Zaz expresses his appreciation for life and work in the Bay Area. “This is a very happening place—even people who don’t live here come here to work, because that’s where the jobs are,” he says. “As such, there’s a large demand for printing services, so I like the fact that it keeps me busy.”

Outside of work, Zaz likes to spend his free time with family and friends. “I enjoy doing things with my wife, Shanaz, and our kids, Musarrat and Mohammed,” he says. “My parents live with us, too, so family is a big part of our lives. I also have a couple of close friends in Sacramento that I enjoy visiting, and sometimes we travel to Hawaii to visit my sister or back to the Fiji Islands to see family and friends.”

In his life and career, Zaz espouses a simple ethos. “My philosophy in life is, ‘Less stress, more fun,’” he explains. “When you’re overstressed, it affects your attitude, your decisions and the way you relate to others. You’re not mentally fit to interact with your customers and give them good guidance. That’s why you have to be mindful about balancing work and life. I think it helps if you’re doing something you enjoy for work. I enjoy printing all day long, so instead of stress, I have positive energy, which takes everything to the next level.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Zaz says he would do some extensive traveling. “I would plan a trip with my wife. I’ve always wanted to visit London, England, so maybe we’d go there first. After that, I’m not sure. If my son happens to take over the business, I would probably help him—that way, I won’t get bored.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What was your first job?
A: I worked as a receiving officer for an island resort back home. When shipments came in, it was my job to mark everything that was received and get all the paperwork signed and sent off to the billing department.

Expert articles

Making the Most of an Exterior Sign

By Zaz Khan of Fast Banners and Signs

UNION CITY — If you’re having a company print a sign to post on your personal or commercial property, it’s a good idea to invest in quality. While an inexpensive banner can work well for temporary signage, permanent signs (for example, “No Trespassing” signs) should be hardier to avoid frequent need for replacement.

One critical aspect of an exterior sign is the material it’s made from. A good option to consider is aluminum composite board—a hybrid of wood and plastic designed to increase weather resistance. Whereas a simple plywood sign will deteriorate quickly due to rain and sunlight exposure, an aluminum composite sign is better suited to withstand the elements. It’s also lighter and more durable than plywood. Additionally, aluminum composite board signs can be printed on both sides, which may be beneficial in certain situations.

It’s also worth investing in high-quality ink for a permanent sign. A good option to consider is UV ink, which is specially designed to withstand sunlight exposure. A further measure to consider is anti-graffiti lamination. This feature makes it easier to remove graffiti from the sign, which may be useful in some circumstances. Overall, by investing in high-quality materials, you’ll get more life and value from your permanent exterior sign.

Expert video tip

Video: Choosing the Right Sign Material

With Zaz Khan of Fast Banners and Signs

Complete Video Transcription:

UNION CITY — Host, Sarah Rutan: When having a sign made for an event or to post on your property, choose a material that makes sense for the application. Today we’re in Union City with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Zaz Khan of Fast Banners and Signs to learn more.

Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Zaz Khan: Here are some tips for your next sign project. First of all, you should know that your sign – is for outdoor use or indoor; a short-term use or a long-term use. If it is a long-term use for outdoors, I would suggest you use aluminum sign, which are for outdoors and for long term. And if it’s for short-term use for outdoors, I suggest you use a banner material, which is cheap and will get your job done. And if it is for indoor use, I would suggest you use a foam board or a gator board, which is reasonably priced and will get your job done.

Host, Sarah Rutan: To learn more from local top rated companies, visit our Diamond Certified Expert Reports at experts.diamondcertified.org.

COMPANY CONTACT

Fast Banners and Signs

Diamond Certified RATINGS ON Fast Banners and Signs

Rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise

Fast Banners and Signs

14 SURVEYS

RATING

1 CONSECUTIVE YEAR SINCEMay 2018CERT2495

DIAMOND CERTIFIED PERFORMANCE GUARANTEED

Diamond certified ratings dashboard

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
i

Customer LOYALTY
i

Helpful Expertise
i

Each surveyed customer was asked, “If you needed any helpful expertise, did this company provide that expertise?” To calculate this score, total “Yes” responses were divided by total responses (excluding those that stated they hadn’t needed any expertise).

Company Credentials
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Liability Insurance

Business Practices

Current Complaint File

Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 14 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS
i

Fast Banners and Signs:
Average 9.9 out of 10 based on 14 unique customer surveys of customer satisfaction.

Liam

VERIFIED Fast Banners and Signs CUSTOMER

1
of
14

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are professional, expedient, and they help us make money. They help me make a profit.

I feel like I'm working with friends.

Daniel

VERIFIED Fast Banners and Signs CUSTOMER

2
of
14

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

The quality provided is very good, and I refer a lot of people to them.

They are very fast, and I just like the whole package.

Jay

VERIFIED Fast Banners and Signs CUSTOMER

3
of
14

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are definitely a ten all the way. They are polite, customer service oriented, and on time with deliveries.

I don't have anything there.

Jacob L.

VERIFIED Fast Banners and Signs CUSTOMER

4
of
14

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are a really good company.

They are very fast.

Francisco

VERIFIED Fast Banners and Signs CUSTOMER

5
of
14

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

It was a great experience, and as a matter of fact, they are here now. They are extremely knowledgeable and very helpful.

Zaz goes above and beyond.

Julian

VERIFIED Fast Banners and Signs CUSTOMER

6
of
14

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

It was the least I could do. They did a great job for me. They are fast, easy, and very helpful.

I really like their equipment, because it is state of the art. There are literally no flaws in the finished product.

William

VERIFIED Fast Banners and Signs CUSTOMER

7
of
14

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are an excellent source for banners and other printing needs.

They are a great value.

Paula

VERIFIED Fast Banners and Signs CUSTOMER

8
of
14

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I have referred other people to them. They do a really good job, and they've been around for a while. I've never had to wait, and they are all very friendly.

The quality of their work stands out for me. I've used them many times.

Lorelei

VERIFIED Fast Banners and Signs CUSTOMER

9
of
14

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I would tell people to check them out. I would recommend them.

Zaz is very responsive. When you call, he gets right back to you. He's very dependable.

Julian

VERIFIED Fast Banners and Signs CUSTOMER

10
of
14

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They really helped with the designs and layouts. They gave their recommendations. They were never pushy about their recommendations either.

It is not all about the money with them. I went in one time to make a purchase, and they actually recommended something that was on the lower end of the scale. It was an excellent choice.

David

VERIFIED Fast Banners and Signs CUSTOMER

11
of
14

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were very professional and timely.

I would say their professionalism stands out.

Dean I.

VERIFIED Fast Banners and Signs CUSTOMER

12
of
14

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I have referred several people to them. Mohammed is great with customers service, and he is very informative. He has worked with me on several different projects.